Runners Demand Money Back From Phoenix 5-K

Race didn’t follow through as advertised, participants say.

Runners are demanding their money back from a 5-K race in Phoenix, claiming the event didn’t deliver as promised, Fox News has reported.

The Neon Run was held Saturday night at the Firebird Raceway. It was advertised as a “massive neon festival” in which runners would race through “glow zones” of neon water, laser lightning and fog.

But instead of a light-filled extravaganza, runners say they were left in the dark. There was no glowing water and poor lighting, and runners left the spray stations with only a few neon drops on their white shirts. The free beer announced as part of the finish line party was also nonexistent, according to participants.

The race’s Facebook page filled with comments from unhappy runners. Some also complained that the race was unsafe and unorganized.

“I was sprayed in the face by a volunteer and tripped over exposed cords, scraped up an elbow and couldn't find medics,” posted race participant Colleen Gilleran. “Not a single volunteer or staff member offered to help me up or even ask if I was ok.”

Some runners even suggested the race was a scam because the charity it was supporting, the Ronald McDonald House, had not received a check.

The race organizer would not give his name to the Fox News reporter but said he would be donating $2,500 to the nonprofit organization.

The race also posted apologies on its Facebook page and gave runners an email address in which to file complaints and request refunds. Despite the outreach, some Phoenix runners continue to discourage others from registering for future Neon Run events and are urging those already signed up for the San Diego race on April 13 to get their money back now.

Race organizers did not respond to Runner's World Newswire requests for an interview.

The Phoenix race was the series’ first. Eleven other races are schedule for 2013.